Clothes-back



S. J. RUSSELL.

Clothes Drier.

Patnted Dec. 22,1857.

-a. PETERS. PMoLithugraphnr. Wauhhflah. n. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

S. J. RUSSELL, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

CLOTHES-RACK.

Specification of Letters Patent No.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, S. J. RUSSELL, of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and Improved Rotating Clothes-Drying Device; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawing, making a part of the specification, said drawing being an elevation of my improvement, a portion of the lower part of the post being broken away and the rotating frame bisected through its center.

This invention relates to an improvement in that class of clothes drying machines in which a horizontal rotating frame is placed on a vertical post, the clothes being hung on a line which is stretched on the frame.

The invention has for its object the ready adjustment of the rotating frame, so that the clothes may be placed upon, and removed from the frame with the greatest facility, and the working parts of the device rendered extremely durable.

To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and construct my invention, 1 will proceed to describe it.

A represents a vertical post, the upper part of which is of a cylindrical, and the lower part of a rectangular form. The post A may be sunk a requisite depth into the ground, or, it may if desired, be supported by a proper base B.

C represents a metallic sleeve or collar which is fitted on the cylindrical portion of the post, this sleeve or collar is attached to a rod D which works through a guide (a) attached to the post, the lower end of the rod passing down into the square portion of the post and having a cord or chain ((2) attached to it. This cord or chain passes over a winch (c) fitted within the lower or square portion of the post and has a weight (0?) attached to it. The drum of the winch has as is usual a crank (e) attached to one end, and a ratchet (f) is at tached to the opposite end of the drum, said ratchet having a retaining or holding pawl (g) catching into it. To the upper part of the lower or square portion of the post a spring (h) is attached, the upper end of the spring being in contact with the cylindrical portion of the post. The lower edge 18,930, dated December 22, 1857.

of the sleeve or collar C has a flanch formed on it, the flanch projecting at right angles from the sleeve or collar.

E represents a hollow or tubular hub which is fitted over the sleeve or collar U. The hub E has four sockets or tubes (1') projecting radially from it and an arm (is) is inserted and secured in each tube (j). To the arms (7:) hooks (Z) are driven at equal and suitable distances apart, and a line (m) is stretched around the hooks. The arms form a frame, and the hub E is allowed to turn freely on the sleeve or collar C. The hub E rests upon the flanch.

From the above description of parts it will be seen that the frame or the arms (is) may be raised or lowered by turning the winch c). The weight (d) nearly balances or counterpoises the frame, a slight preponderance of weight however is allowed the frame, and the frame is sustained at the desired height in consequence of the pawl (g) catching into the ratchet The frame consequently may be raised or lowered as convenience may require and the clothes may be readily adjusted on, and removed from the line (m) and in case the pawl (9) should casually be prevented from catching into or be shoved out from the teeth of the ratchet (f) the spring (72.) will break the fall of the frame and prevent damage thereto. By having the hub, E made hollow or tubular and fitted on the sleeve or collar G, both the post and hub are protected from wear, the frame therefore with the clothes upon it may be rotated rapidly by the wind. There are no parts that will be injured by a rapid movement.

I am aware that adjustable rotating arms, forming a clothes-drier, are not new, and I do not broadly claim them. An example is seen in S. WVoodwards patent, 1854, and in J. Higgins rejected application, 1855. Nor do I claim the. hollow post, or any portion of either of the above mentioned devices. Nor do I claim, indiscriminately, the counterpoising of all descriptions of objects. But

What I claim as new in clothes-driers, and desire to secure by Letters-Patent, is

1. The arrangement within the hollow base B, of a counterpoising weight (cl) connected by a cord with the rising and falling rod D, for the purpose of balancing. or to the base B, and acting against the shaft nearly balancing the hub E, and arms (/0) A, all in the manner and for the purposes and thus preventing the sudden fall and herein set forth, and not otherwise.

breakage of the parts, as Well as rendering S. J. RUSSELL. 5 them easy of operation. Vitnesses: 1

2. I also claim as new in clothes-driers, E. F. RUNYAN, the employment of a spring (h) attached CALEB SHAW. 

